A moment of magic from Leighton Thomas forced Exmouth Town into an FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round replay, as they drew 1-1 with Shaftesbury, at Cockrams.

Ethan Slater put Town in front with a close range header, but Thomas’ late wonder-goal meant that the visitors excellent defensive display only led to an immediate rematch.

Exmouth largely kept the same team from their Bank Holiday Monday win against Bristol Manor Farm, with Sam Morcom and Callum Shipton coming into the side for Josh Cann and Ed Butcher respectively.

Despite having the majority of the play in the opening exchanges, the best chance of the first 15 minutes came from an Alefe Santos long-shot, which was wide of the mark.

Town would get in front, after a ball was swung into the back post and met by Matt Wright, who floated the ball perfectly across goal for Slater to glance past Ben Taylor.

The hosts would try to build themselves back into the game, but were left frustrated by a strong defensive line that was forcing them backwards constantly.

Jack Lovell almost had an opportunity to level the game, but took too long in getting the ball under control, allowing Joe Belsten to make a block.

Shaftesbury would come out of the blocks quickly, although once again they found themselves unable to break down the Town defence, with two shots being blocked by a sea of visiting bodies.

Aaron Dearing’s proactive goalkeeping stopped Toby Holmes from getting a clear chance on goal, getting out in time to punch the ball away from their captain.

As the game wore on, the Rockies would get sloppy in possession, and Exmouth would be able to hit them on the break, with Aarron Denny sending a shot wide.

Exmouth will feel like they could have had a penalty, as Wright was brought down to the ground whilst going for a header, but it was adjudged to not be a spot-kick.

Dearing was forced into a superb stop to deny substitute Liam Farrugia’s low powerful drive, that looked destined for the bottom corner.

The game entered stoppage time, and it took a stunning strike from Leighton Thomas to level the game, as his 25-yard half volley was smashed the underside of the bar and bounced in.

It was a fantastic goal, but Town’s misery was compounded by an injury to Dearing, which meant that left-back Josh Cann would finish the remaining minutes of stoppage time with the gloves on.

There were plenty of positives for Town to take from this game, and they will aim to go one better on Wednesday, when they host Shaftesbury in the replay.

Line-Up: Dearing (Cann, 94), Belsten, Morcom, Landricombe, Knowles, Slater, Shipton, Denny, Kennell, Griffith (L.Steer, 68), Wright.

Subs not used: Shore, McCue, B.Steer, Rice, Butcher.